Smog Check and clearing U0293

mickey · 11-03-2020, 08:55 PM

I'm having issues passing smog in California. Everything is working great on the car and no codes except "U0293:Lost communication with the hybrid powertrain control module". This popped up on the smog report so the station didn't pass me.

I read in the threads and was instructed to run the engine from a cold start many times in a row. I drove in Sport mode from a cold start at least 30 times in a row and U0293 would not clear.

Are any other Cali owners having this issue? How can I clear U0293? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

Fabulist · 11-06-2020, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mickey

I'm having issues passing smog in California. Everything is working great on the car and no codes except "U0293:Lost communication with the hybrid powertrain control module". This popped up on the smog report so the station didn't pass me.

I read in the threads and was instructed to run the engine from a cold start many times in a row. I drove in Sport mode from a cold start at least 30 times in a row and U0293 would not clear.

Are any other Cali owners having this issue? How can I clear U0293? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

You need to clear the code with a OBDII scanner first. Then drive the car around the block a few times for it to settle.

mickey · 11-09-2020, 01:22 PM

Thank you Fabulist. I used a OBDScar OS601 OBD2 Scanner. After using the erase function the U0293 code was still showing in the permanent codes. The scanner is new but not sure if this scanner is up to the job... Is this code erasable? Any recommendations on the right scanner? Thanks.

Patrizio33 · 11-10-2020, 07:43 PM

If it is classified as a permanent code you can not clear it with any scanner........that's why they call it a permanent code. You can however get the Smog Center's computer to ignore it by driving 15-17 warm up cycle drives in Sport mode. Drive about 20 miles in each cycle. If you do the first drive early enough in the day for the car to completely cool down you can do another one late in the day. Otherwise it will take you a couple of weeks of driving to do all the cycles. Private message me if you have any questions.
Pat

aaron0k · 11-11-2020, 02:24 AM

I've been dealing with this for a few months. It seems, there is nothing you can do. You'll need to contact the CA BAR referee.

After several 'not ready for testing' smog checks and dozens of drive cycles including trying the warm up tips I found in the forum; Alex at Elite OC helped determine it was a software issue and to contact the smog ref.

However, when I contacted the ref, they said they researched the issue and spoke to Karma, then they advised me that I should take it and have it inspected at the dealership; then get documentation showing 'nothing can be done'.

The issue has to due with a CA emissions change, stating any car 2010 or newer can not have ANY faults stored in the ECM.

I took it to Rusnak in Pasadena. They are familiar with the issue and they were kind enough (they didn't charge me) to look at it and provide the documentation . I now have another appointment with the referee scheduled.

To paraphrase the letter "The car will have to to a BAR referee. Included is a a copy of the KarmaSync DTC showing the U0291 is stored in the CIU which is an infotainment unit, not emissions related (ECM and HCU). There is no update/DTC to correct."

DM me with your email and I can send you a scan.

mickey · 11-11-2020, 04:11 PM

This is exactly my issue. I already setup an appt with a BAR referee for December which is the earliest they can get to me. Knowing I need this letter will save me a couple of months of waiting for a second appt... I'll DM you to get the copy of the letter from Rusnak. Thanks aaron0K. It's really great we have this community of owners that have each other's backs!

Patrizio33 · 11-11-2020, 04:15 PM

So far about 20 of my customers have passed smog by following the warm up cycle routine and no referee needed. It is good that it can also be done through a referee. As Fisker owners we always need options..............

aaron0k · 11-11-2020, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mickey

It's really great we have this community of owners that have each other's backs!

Agreed. As a fairly recent owner (2 years), searching this site has answered many questions for me. I'm not entirely sure who runs FiskerBuzz; but I'd happily contribute to ensure it remains.

aaron0k · 11-11-2020, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patrizio33

So far about 20 of my customers have passed smog by following the warm up cycle routine and no referee needed.

Does the warm up routine clear the PDTC?

I tried 3 smog check places, every time the tech would first hookup a portable scanner tool, show me the code, tell me to it wasn't ready for testing and to "go drive it 15 more times and come back".

Unfortunately, after 30 cycles/500 miles in sport; I never had any luck.

Patrizio33 · 11-12-2020, 04:50 PM

No, permanent codes are just that, permanent. They can not be cleared by a scanner or driving. That's why they always show up when a smog tech checks them with a portable scanner. They have to actually run the smog test after you do all the necessary drive cycles. If the drive cycles were done properly the smog test will still see the permanent codes but will ignore them and pass you.